Brandon Widder
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Author/Co-Author of 129 articles
Brandon Widder is a journalist and a staff writer for the Manual and its brother site, Digital Trends, where he covers tech news, how-to guides, and more. In his free time, he moonlights as a freelance music writer for the Portland alt-weekly, Willamette Week, and enjoys venturing around the wilds of the Pacific Northwest when he's not putting together his weekly "Trekking" column for the Manual. Follow him @BrandonWidder.
The Cambium Might Very Well Be the Last Bike Saddle You Ever Buy
Brooks is a household name among bike enthusiasts, and the latest in the Cambium series is a waterproof testament to the company's seasoned engineering.
Got vinyl? Here are five accessories for the audiophile on your list
A record collector should own more than just a turntable and a vintage copy of "Dark Side of the Moon."
Trekking: Hit the slab with these 10 bouldering essentials
There's more to bouldering than a pair of climbing shoes and crash pad. Check out some of our favorite climbing essentials for your next date with crag.
The Best Camping Lanterns Under $50
Headlamps are all the rage for backpacking and hiking, but nothing beats a camping lantern when huddled in a tent or around the campfire.
Trekking: Ditch Neoprene With the Yulex Wetsuit
Neoprene is great at regulating body temp when surfing, but it's not the most sustainable to produce. Thankfully, Patagonia is looking to change that.
Trekking: The Manual’s guide to finding discounted gear
Quality outdoor gear shouldn't cost you the better part of a paycheck. So, we've rounded up the best sites for finding premium gear on a budget.
The strata-focused Layer Leather brings the stadium to your wrist
The Minus-8 Layer Leather uses established Japanese movements and layered strata to bring a futuristic touch to a timeless design that anyone can savor.
MVMT Watches prove you can have sleek style with petty pricing
You don't need to pay an upwards of $500 for a proper timepiece. MVMT Watches makes brilliant wears that tout ample style at a fraction of the cost.
Patagonia’s Simple Fly Fishing Kit Takes You to the river
Japanese fly fishing may not seem like the easiest sport to master on a tight budget, but thankfully, Patagonia's Yvon Chouinard thinks otherwise.
Drink Dirty Water Without Worry Using the LifeStraw Filter
More than 780 million people lack access to clean water. With the LifeStraw—you don't have to be one of them, even while trekking in the backcountry.
Mack Weldon’s first collection quells smells with silver
Mack Weldon's Silver collection utilizes actual silver particles to prevent bacteria from growing and quell odors that might arise in your day to day.
(Re)open for business: A Q & A with Portland’s Winn Perry & Co.
Portland's Winn Perry & Co. is back. The Manual sat down with co-owner Jordan Sayler to discuss his store's new location, philosophy, and future.
StrongBody makes activewear derived from crab shells (and it’s awesome)
Manufactures too often skimp on quality in favor of cost and style. StrongBody Apparel does not, though, and relies on shells for an odor-free fit.
Inside the weird, wonderful world of Paxton Gate
Paxton Gate doesn't just pride itself in taxidermy. The shop is an ode to the natural world around us, full of odds and ends you can't find anywhere else.
Born to be wild: A brief guide to the best camping spots in the U.S.
Yellowstone and Yosemite may garner all the notoriety, but camping in the U.S. should encompass more than just iconic locations.
From Deschutes to Ecliptic: Talking hops with brewmaster John Harris
Between Deschutes and Full Sail breweries, John Harris is staple in the Northwest beer scene. See what the Portland icon has to say in a quick interview.
Showcase your drinking habits with the Beer Cap Map
Showcasing your drinking habits shouldn't be tough. Each Beer Cap Map allows you to retrofit its plywood build with caps from your favorite brews.
Trekking: Meet the Leatherman Tread, the Wearable Toolbox for Your Wrist
Smartwatches and connected wearables might be all the rage, but the Leatherman Tread affords you some physical functionality you just can't find elsewhere.
Trekking: The 2016 Holiday Gift Guide
Racking your brain for the perfect gift for the outdoorsman on your list? Check out our holiday gift guide for a quick look at our favorite products.
Threadmason lets you find the right fit with a simple click
No size fits all — especially when it comes to t-shirts. With 24 tailored sizes, Threadmason is reinventing the way men shop online.
